Sen. Tim French

Maddy summarySF 91, the Wyoming Energy Project Accountability Act, requires legislative approval before construction begins for large energy projects or when state funds are used. It directly affects industrial-scale energy projects (over 150 megawatts or large footprints - 5,000 acres for wind, 500 for solar) and large industrial power loads (75+ megawatts). The bill mandates that any project using state funds over $200,000 must have a specific legislative bill or resolution detailing the project, funding source, and conditions to protect ratepayers. Exceptions apply for emergencies or routine maintenance on existing projects.

Maddy summaryHB 134 would require Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to redirect emails filtered out of a legislator's inbox to their main inbox upon request. If an email is automatically filtered (e.g., by spam or security systems), the sender can request redirection after the office verifies their email address. The office must comply within two business days unless a security threat exists. This applies only to system-wide filtering, not personal email settings, and affects anyone emailing legislators whose messages are automatically diverted.

Maddy summaryHB 14 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully defend against criminal charges by reasonably using self-defense, resulting in a not-guilty verdict, dismissed charges, or release from prosecution. It also mandates automatic expungement (permanent removal) of criminal records for these individuals without requiring a court hearing, including no filing fees for either reimbursement petitions or expungement requests. The bill directly affects people prosecuted for crimes but acquitted or having charges dismissed due to lawful self-defense. Key provisions include county-funded reimbursement for defense costs and streamlined court orders to erase all related arrest and prosecution records. The law applies to cases where self-defense was used to prevent injury or property damage, as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 94 requires all Wyoming elections to use paper ballots counted manually in public view, replacing electronic voting systems. It establishes statewide standards for ballot design (must be human-readable), secure storage (sealed containers under 24/7 video for 2 years), and chain-of-custody records for all ballots. County clerks must publicly document ballot counts within one hour of completion and maintain video recordings of counting for 60 months. The bill directly affects all Wyoming voters and election officials by mandating transparent, manual counting processes and repealing prior authorizations for electronic tabulation.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (HJ 3) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Wyoming voters to approve any storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel in the state. It would amend the Wyoming Constitution to state that such storage cannot occur under state law without an affirmative vote by the state's electors. The measure applies directly to any future storage projects for these materials and would require a majority voter approval before any such facility could be established. This is a procedural requirement, not a policy on waste management itself.

Maddy summaryHB 13 would allow human-use ivermectin to be sold as an over-the-counter medication in Wyoming without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. The bill directly affects pharmacies and consumers by removing current prescription requirements for this medication. Key provisions define "over-the-counter medication" and specify that ivermectin cannot be classified as a dangerous substance or a controlled substance under existing laws. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 196) prohibits state and local government entities from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans using Wyoming state or federal funds (originating in Wyoming) to support federal enforcement of firearm laws regarding "law-abiding citizens." Violating this prohibition subjects agencies to civil penalties of $50,000 per violation and allows affected citizens to sue for damages. The bill creates new legal protections for Wyoming residents against enforcement of federal gun laws that infringe on Second Amendment rights, while allowing limited exceptions for federal cooperation in specific criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming's state treasurer and retirement board to make all investment decisions based solely on financial factors ("pecuniary factors") that maximize returns while managing risk. It prohibits considering environmental, social, governance, political, or ideological interests - explicitly stating such factors "have crippled, corrupted, disadvantaged, subverted, damaged or otherwise harmed" Wyoming's financial well-being. The law mandates that investment entities (like the retirement board) avoid "nonpecuniary diversions," vet vendors to ensure compliance, and may use proxy voting or divestment to enforce financial focus. It directly affects how state retirement funds and other public investments are managed, ensuring decisions prioritize financial outcomes over external policy goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming public school districts to designate all multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing rooms as exclusively for males or females based on sex assigned at birth. It mandates reasonable accommodations like single-occupancy rooms for students who cannot use designated facilities, while allowing exceptions for maintenance staff, emergency medical help, and coaches under specific conditions (e.g., accompanied by same-sex adults). School districts failing to comply risk losing accreditation, and parents can sue for noncompliance. The law directly affects public school students, staff, and districts, with enforcement tied to state education standards. (Note: Bill is pending in Wyoming Legislature as of 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 109 suspends hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for two years for individuals convicted of trespassing on private land while attempting to hunt, fish, or trap wildlife. It directly affects hunters and anglers who enter private property without permission for these activities. The bill amends Wyoming law to impose this license suspension in addition to standard misdemeanor penalties for trespassing violations. The Game and Fish Commission must create implementing rules, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2025, except for rulemaking provisions that apply immediately upon enactment.